Modern organizations are managing more data than ever. Finding the right content at the right time becomes critical as information grows within SharePoint. While standard keyword-based search is helpful, it often leaves users scrolling endlessly or guessing the correct terms. This is where PnP Modern Search offers a customizable, filter-driven experience that refines how users explore content. In this blog, we explore how to move beyond simple keyword queries and unlock the real value of SharePoint search functionality through intelligent filtering with PnP Modern Search.
Why keyword search is no longer enough
Microsoft Search in Modern SharePoint has evolved with AI-driven relevance and improved metadata handling, making it capable of delivering precise results when well-configured. However, in many organizations where metadata is inconsistent or underutilized, users may still encounter broad or loosely relevant results, highlighting the need for more refined, filter-based search experiences.
Introducing PnP Modern Search for improved discovery
PnP Modern Search is a community-driven solution developed by Microsoft 365 experts to enhance the SharePoint search experience. It builds on the native capabilities of SharePoint, offering greater flexibility, customization, and user control. With PnP Modern Search, organizations can create tailored, filter-driven search interfaces using configurable web parts that are straightforward to implement.
While SharePoint’s native search, including Microsoft and classic search, supports refiners, managed properties, and scopes, PnP Modern Search focuses on improving how these features are surfaced and used. It provides a more intuitive and customizable interface with filtering options such as:
- Content type filters
- Metadata-based refiners
- Custom taxonomy options
- Date ranges and scoped queries
These enhancements make it easier for users to interact with filters, refine their results, and access specific content faster, without relying solely on keyword input or predefined experiences.
Configuring filtered search with PnP Modern Search
The strength of PnP Modern Search lies in its ability to create tailored search experiences that align with specific departmental needs. Whether for HR, Finance, IT, or Project Management, teams can benefit from dedicated search pages with customized filters and result layouts focusing on the content that matters most to them.
For instance, a project manager may need to locate documents based on task status, assigned team, or approaching deadlines. With PnP Modern Search, these parameters can be surfaced and refined using dynamic filters and query adjustments, helping reduce time spent scanning irrelevant results.
To build these experiences, administrators work with components like the Search Box Web Part, Search Filters, and Search Results Web Part. While the interface is designed with usability, initial setup involves a learning curve. Configuring connections to managed properties, mapping refiners, and applying query templates generally requires familiarity with SharePoint search schema, typically suited to site admins or experienced power users. Once configured, however, the system becomes more intuitive for everyday users to interact with and maintain.
Benefits of enhanced SharePoint search functionality
With filtered search, users no longer depend on vague keywords. Instead, they interact with intuitive dropdowns, checkboxes, and taxonomy pickers that simplify discovery. The key advantages include:
- Reduced time spent searching
- Better user satisfaction
- Improved document accuracy
- Enhanced SharePoint adoption
Investing time in building filter-powered search experiences with PnP Modern Search pays off in significant productivity gains. By extending the native SharePoint search functionality, you enable your teams to find content faster and work smarter. Whether you are a SharePoint admin or business owner, it is time to move beyond basic keywords and embrace intelligent search filtering. With the proper configuration, PnP Modern Search turns SharePoint into a powerful information hub that delivers the right content to the right people at the right time.
